Georgian FM: no discussion possible on rail traffic or diplomatic relations amid Russian occupation

Georgian foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili on Wednesday said that in a situation where Georgian territories are occupied by Russia, there can be no discussion of restoring railway traffic or diplomatic relations.

During an interpellation session in Parliament, Botchorishvili noted that the Georgian government continues to pursue a policy of peaceful conflict resolution grounded in fundamental norms and principles of international law, including the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act.

She stated that confirming and implementing Russia’s obligation not to use force remains one of the key issues discussed within the Geneva International Discussions. The Georgian side, she noted, raises the matter actively and consistently during every round of talks.

“The Georgian government has declared a policy of peaceful conflict resolution and continues to follow and implement it. At the same time, everything is being done to keep this issue on the international agenda. Against the backdrop of ongoing global processes, this is not easy and requires daily work”, the minister said.

Botchorishvili added that existing international mechanisms and instruments are consistently used to inform the international community and seek responses to Russia’s unlawful actions.

Addressing the issue of the Sukhumi airport, Botchorishvili said that on February 20, 2025, a note was sent to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), stating that flights carried out in occupied Abkhazia without the authorisation of the Georgian government are illegal and violate international law. Georgia’s diplomatic service, with the involvement of the country’s permanent representation to ICAO, continues cooperation with the organisation, she said.

Botchorishvili further emphasised that the occupation itself constitutes an illegal act and a violation of international norms, and therefore all activities carried out within that framework are assessed as unlawful.

She also pointed to international court decisions from 2021-2025 as evidence of Georgia’s position, saying they reflect the results of the country’s legal efforts to substantiate its claims against Russia regarding the occupation of Georgian regions.

“In this situation, when Georgian territories are occupied by the Russian Federation, there can be no discussion about restoring railway traffic or diplomatic relations. Likewise, discussions about neutrality are irrelevant”, the minister concluded.